Tottenham star could make an injury comeback on Boxing Day after returning to full training.

Tottenham head to Crystal Palace on Sunday in a must-win fixture as Thomas Frank’s team look to arrest a worrying decline in the Premier League standings.

Spurs currently sit 13th after a chaotic season in which they have managed only six wins from their first 17 league games, losing five of their last eight. The trip to Selhurst Park offers Frank a chance to rebuild belief after Saturday’s damaging 2–1 home defeat to Liverpool, a result that intensified supporter frustration following just two league wins at home all season.

That loss was especially bitter as Tottenham finished the match with nine men. Xavi Simons was dismissed in the first half, while captain Cristian Romero saw red deep into stoppage time after losing his temper and receiving a second yellow card. Goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké put Liverpool in control before Richarlison netted a late consolation, but it was another blow in an increasingly uneven and mistake-filled campaign under Frank.

Crystal Palace pose a serious threat, sitting five places above Spurs and boasting the speed and direct attacking style under Oliver Glasner to punish Tottenham’s fragile defence on the counter.

Frank’s task is made harder by a lengthy injury list, with James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski all sidelined long term. The suspensions of Simons and Romero further limit his options during the congested festive schedule.

One player who has barely featured this season is midfielder Yves Bissouma, who has yet to make a competitive appearance under Frank. Tottenham were willing to listen to offers for the 29-year-old last summer, and repeated disciplinary issues off the pitch have fuelled reports that the club plan to sell him next year.

Although Bissouma’s contract runs until 2026, with an option for a one-year extension, both supporters and the manager are hoping he can still make an impact on the field.

There is now some optimism on that front. Bissouma could return from injury on Boxing Day, despite being called up by Mali for the Africa Cup of Nations. According to Pierrot Le Foot, he missed Mali’s opening Group A match against Zambia in Casablanca, leaving captain Bissouma, defender Sikou Niakate and right-back Hamari Traore unavailable and giving coach Tom Saintfiet selection concerns.

However, Bissouma has reportedly resumed full training and is close to match fitness. He could feature against Morocco on Boxing Day, or against Comoros three days later.

Saintfiet explained: “In many major tournaments, players start injured and then become decisive later on. Yves is our captain, a leader, and an important player. Our medical staff is in constant contact with Tottenham, and we’re confident he’ll be ready as the tournament progresses.”

Once AFCON concludes, Bissouma could return as an option for Frank in midfield. Still, given his limited involvement and off-field issues since the manager’s arrival, it remains uncertain whether he will earn the trust needed to play a meaningful role.